Jose Mourinho escapes punishment while FA charge

Chelsea coach Marco Ianni has been charged with improper conduct following his bust-up with Jose Mourinho.

Manchester United boss Mourinho has also been “formally reminded of his responsibilities” after the touchline row at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

That will come as a relief for Mourinho but the FA have effectively made it clear they were not happy with the Portuguese’s part in the bust-up which was reported by referee Mike Dean.

Both clubs have also received similar reminders about the behaviour “expected of staff and players” while in the technical area.

Ianni, who is a member of Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri’s backroom team, could now expect a fine, warning or even a ban following the row.

Sarri was quick to apologise for Ianni’s behaviour after the Chelsea coach ran past Mourinho and celebrated in front of the United bench following Ross Barkley’s 96th minute equaliser.

Ianni has until Thursday at 6pm to respond while Chelsea have also pledged an internal investigation.

The FA have now issued a statement which read: “Chelsea coach Marco Ianni has been charged following the game against Manchester United on Saturday [20 October 2018].

“It is alleged that his behaviour in the 96 minute constituted improper conduct. He has until 6pm on Thursday 25 October 2018 to respond to the charge.

“In relation to this incident, José Mourinho has been formally reminded of his responsibilities whilst both clubs have received similar official reminders in terms of the behaviour expected of their staff and players at all times whilst in the technical area.”

Mourinho revealed on Monday that Ianni and Chelsea apologised for the incident in the immediate aftermath and stated that he didn’t believe the Italian should be sacked, despite calls from elsewhere.

Speaking ahead of United’s Champions League clash with Juventus, Mourinho said: “He apologised to me, I accept his apologies, I think he deserves a second chance.

“I don’t think he deserves or to be sacked, than the fact his club was strong with him and he went through a situation he recognises he was wrong.

“So I hope everybody does the same as I did which is not to disturb a career of a young guy who is probably a great guy, is probably a coach of great potential. Let him work; everybody makes mistakes, I made mistakes, I hope they let the kid go.”